Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 17:1-8
J.C. Ryle expounds on Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17:1-8, revealing the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son and the gift of eternal life through knowing God.
In this expository sermon on John 17:1-8, J.C. Ryle explores the profound prayer of Jesus Christ to the Father, highlighting the deep relationship between them and the gift of eternal life offered to believers. Ryle carefully unpacks the meaning of glorification, the authority given to Christ, and the intimate knowledge of God that defines eternal life. This sermon invites listeners to understand the heart of Jesus' intercession and the assurance of salvation through knowing God.
Text
When Jesus had finished saying these things, he looked upward to heaven and said, "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, so that your Son may glorify you--just as you have given him authority over all humanity, so that he may give eternal life to everyone you have given him. Now this is eternal life--that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you sent. I glorified you on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me at your side with the glory I had with you before the world was created.
"I have revealed your name to the men you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have obeyed your word. Now they understand that everything you have given me comes from you, because I have given them the words you have given me. They accepted them and really understand that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.
These verses begin one of the most wonderful chapters in the Bible. It is a chapter in which we see our Lord Jesus Christ addressing a long prayer to God the Father. It is wonderful as a specimen of the communion that was ever kept up between the Father and the Son, during the period of the Son\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Context of Jesus' Prayer
- Jesus looks upward to heaven after completing His teaching
- He addresses the Father in a high priestly prayer
- The prayer reveals the intimate communion between Father and Son
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II. The Request for Glorification
- Jesus asks the Father to glorify the Son
- Glorification is linked to authority over all humanity
- Purpose: to give eternal life to those given to Him
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III. The Definition of Eternal Life
- Eternal life is knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ
- This knowledge is relational and experiential
- It is the central gift Jesus offers
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IV. The Completed Work and Revelation
- Jesus glorified the Father by completing His work on earth
- He revealed God's name to the disciples
- The disciples received and believed the words given by the Father
Key Quotes
“Now this is eternal life--that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you sent.” — J.C. Ryle
“I glorified you on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” — J.C. Ryle
“I have revealed your name to the men you gave me out of the world.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Seek a deeper, personal knowledge of God as the foundation of eternal life.
- Recognize the authority of Jesus Christ and His role in granting salvation.
- Emulate Jesus' example of prayerful dependence on the Father in all circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jesus looking upward in prayer?
It symbolizes His direct communion with the Father and dependence on divine authority.
How does Jesus define eternal life in this passage?
Eternal life is defined as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent.
Why does Jesus ask to be glorified by the Father?
So that He may glorify the Father in return and fulfill His mission to give eternal life.
Who are the ones given to Jesus by the Father?
They are the disciples and believers who belong to God and obey His word.
What does it mean that Jesus revealed God's name to the disciples?
It means Jesus made known God's character and will through His teaching and life.